2014 Ram 1500 to get new EcoDiesel engine

Diesel-powered automobiles aren't all that common in the United States. There are a few automakers that offer cars that have diesel engines inside, and more are coming in 2014 model year cars. Where diesel power has been common for a number of years in the United States is in the truck market. Diesel-powered trucks are extremely popular in the United States.

Ram has announced that it will be building the industry's only light-duty diesel-powered pickup. Diesel engines in trucks in the United States are limited to heavy duty vehicles designed for towing and other needs. The 2014 Ram 1500 will have an optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine mated to an eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

RAM promises that the engine will offer best in class fuel efficiency, best in class torque, and impressive overall capability. The V-6 engine is a turbodiesel and promises to produce 60% less emissions than was produced by diesel-powered trains of 25 years ago. The engine will be manufactured by VM Motori, the company who has provided the Chrysler Group with diesel engines since 1992.

The available EcoDiesel engine marks the first time that an American truck manufacturer has offered diesel power in a light-duty half-ton pickup. Ram didn't offer horsepower or torque specifications for the new engine at this time. You can bet it will have a huge amount of torque and an impressive towing capacity, hallmarks of a power in the truck market.

[via Ram Trucks]